Predominantly because I initially thought of these meditations as a way to improve my own prayer life, to more deeply involve my mind in the life and workings of the divine. It is no mere imitation of Christ: It is Christ.

Meditating on God’s Word, His character, and His actions involves spending time with Him. It is meant to be very flexible and easy for us to use. Years ago, I was reading a small and humble magazine dedicated to Therese of Liseux, “the Little Flower.” It recorded experiences of answered prayers, especially after people had prayed a novena in her name. If that Infinite One is omniscient, then He certainly knows our innermost feelings, no matter how often science with its dry, factual outlook on reality scoffs at the idea of a Being infinitely superior to the scientists themselves, far beyond their intellectual games, lambent with tenderest feelings of love for us all, unceasingly forgiving, and awaiting only our love in return to bring us back to Himself.”. But what if a friend suddenly rounds the corner? We say it once a day, or repeat it many times at dozens of opportunities during the day, or whatever we like. This is one round of “even count breathing.”. If you are unable to feel the breath in the nostrils, focus for a short time on the breathing process itself, the movement of the chest and lungs, and then transfer your awareness back to the breath in the nostrils. With this picture in mind, we can recall those moments in our lives when we had an ardent love of God and try to stir within us those same feelings of love. This is especially true for victims of abuse and people who have suffered much. Science has shown us a universe, however, too vast to have been created by any man-like Father figure. Continue to mentally observe the breath, and to silently chant your word formula, still making no effort to control either the rhythm or depth of your breathing.

However, modification of the prayer, and personal tailoring, is certainly allowed. The Orthodox saint Theophan the Recluse has described it thus: When we pray we must stand in our mind before God, and think of Him alone.

Inhale slowly counting one to eight, hold your breath for the same number of counts, then exhale for the same count. Do not be fooled by its simplicity. Help me personalize your message to my heart today. The prayer is woven into our breathing. by Mary Kretzmann, Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry. Over time, as this the healing grace flows through you, your experience will deepen and your ability will grow. They need to come up, and it is good and healthy that … Variations of this prayer have been popular all over the world. You might add the Jesus Prayer after each decade of the rosary (along with the Fatima prayer… Simply observe its natural flow. The prayer is meant to be said silently, not aloud. Join us in celebrating a century of spiritual awakening. We’ll notice our prayer deepening with time. Then, with relaxation, you will find tensions being released that you didn’t even know existed. My mind was elsewhere: focusing on books, social anxieties, academic pressures—whatever. In praying the Jesus Prayer, our holy Fathers tell us, we say it over and over hundreds of times as part of our daily prayer rule. Therese had promised to send “Roses from Heaven” to signify when prayers had been heard. It is completely normal for these thoughts to arise. ...read more about the two functions of the Jesus Prayer, Jesus Prayer Has Three Stages in Practice “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), Proclaimed by Paramhansa Yogananda Presented by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda, “…My fervent prayer is that this book, and its proclamation of Paramhansa Yogananda’s renewed revelation of Christ’s revelation, will initiate a renewal of dynamic, original faith in Jesus Christ…”, “Jesus Christ was sent to earth to proclaim the Heavenly Father’s love for us all, and to awaken love in our hearts for Him. What I could not commit myself to was the Lord. Typically, the Jesus Prayer is said with these words: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,                (inbreath), Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. We are attracted to goodness, beauty, and truth.

( Log Out /  Swami Kriyananda taught this Jesus Prayer Meditation to a Catholic priest. They comfort us in times of difficulty, trial, and emotional extremes. In the western tradition, there is a practice of repeating the name of Jesus, in order to practice the presence of God. Today, it is prayed around the globe.

Swami Kriyananda taught this Jesus Prayer Meditation to a Catholic priest. There are very many ways of meditation in the world. Her daily devotional Daily in Your Presence is available for delivery through Crosswalk.com. Guided Healing Prayers with Mary Kretzmann, Conscious Families: Awaken Your Child’s Potential, The Inner Journey – Conference for Self-Transformation, concentrating on the light of the spiritual eye, Recorded, with Reflections, by his disciple Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters). Then we apply those truths to our lives, maybe even praying them back to God as we digest them. As you begin to read and reflect about God and His Word, here is a meditation prayer you might offer to Him: Lord, quiet my heart and still my soul as I wait on you during these moments alone. For some of the monks of Mount Athos, the Jesus Prayer is almost the entirety of their spiritual life—these holy monks pray the prayer without ceasing. In the words of the Cure D’Ars:  l love you, O my God, and my only desire is to love you until the last breath of my life. When you send this sacred healing energy, you yourself will also feel uplifted by God’s grace.

This simple exercise can increase the love we have for God, as well as invite him to speak to our soul. We repeat it as much as we want. TESTIMONIAL:  This book is a great gift to humanity. Whoever has formed the habit of this Prayer and uses it properly, really does remember God incessantly.

Praying the Jesus Prayer is that simple! One of the best ways to relax the body is to tense it first. In praying the Jesus Prayer as in all Orthodox Prayer we are seeking a relationship with a personal God based on faith and love. Therefore, today many people like this formula: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God                 (inbreath), Have Mercy on Me, Your Sister (or Brother)         (outbreath). We have seen many instances of healing occur through these prayers, and we are happy to instruct those who wish to serve in this way. While eating, a cow literally regurgitates its food. The second is a discipline to help our soul gain control our overactive brains and create stillness so the Holy Spirit can work through us and help us live the virtues in union with God. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account.

A book that gives an introductory overview of meditation practices from different religions is Journey of Awakening, by Ram Dass. Is there an action I need to take or a sin to forsake? Learn how to calm your mind, still your body, and open the doorway to the joy of your soul. The prayer states, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The origin of the prayer is unknown, but there are many speculations that can give an estimate. The key to success with this technique is to deepen your concentration at the spiritual eye until you no longer think of, End your practice of this technique by taking a deep breath and exhaling three times. Relax your mind before meditation, by doing this simple breathing exercise: You may either lengthen or shorten the number of counts according to what is comfortable, but keep the inhalation, retention, and exhalation equal. Although simple to practice, this is one of the central and most important techniques of meditation. It is also good to clarify the word, “mercy.” Think of it as asking for the loving mitigation of our karma, or spiritual debts; some created long ago, but still getting in the way of our spiritual understanding, and unfolding.